AUDI's new lightweight A6 executive saloon will cost from £30,145 when it hits the streets next spring.

The car's styling is trademark Audi and thanks to having a slightly longer wheelbase, and more width too, the popular model will offer better leg and shoulder room than the current model.

It is also 15 per cent lighter and almost a quarter of its surface area, including doors, bonnet, bumpers and boot lid, are made of aluminium.

From launch there will be a choice of four engines - one petrol and three diesel, paired with manual, multitronic or S tronic transmissions.

The 2.0-litre TDI diesel 177PS, 3.0-litre TDI 204PS, 3.0-litre TDI 245PS and 3.0-litre TFSI petrol 300PS units all use advanced direct injection technology and include a start-stop system.

As a result, fuel economy has improved by up to 19 per cent compared to the previous model.

Audi says the range's headline maker is likely to be the 2.0-litre TDI allied to six-speed manual transmission, which can return an average 57.7mpg and emits just 129g/km of CO.

Night vision, a head-up display, blind spot warning and online services including news and weather information supplied by Google will also be available.

Two specification levels - SE and S line - will be offered in the UK, each including alloy wheels, leather upholstery, cruise and front and rear parking controls, SD-based sat-nav, Bluetooth, split/folding rear seats and light and rain sensors.

S line models will add larger 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps, sports suspension, upgraded Valcona leather upholstery and an exclusive S line exterior and interior styling treatment. 

From the options list customers will be able to choose features such as comfort seats with heating, cooling and massaging functions, acoustic glazing, supple leather trimming for the centre console, a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system with 1,200 watts of power, TV reception and various connectivity upgrades.

Audi is opening the order book next month and prices will be from £30,145 for the A6 2.0 TDI SE up to £40,550 for the A6 3.0 TFSI quattro S line.